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Album Review: Green Day Release "Revolution Radio" & The Teen Punk Angst Is Still Alive!

For over 26 years, Green Day is a sound that has become a part of every teenager’s beating heart. Whether it was through that beloved teenage emo angst, or growing up punk, there is something about the iconic trio that makes one want to host a house party while the parents are out of town or just shake their head in annoyance as “Those darn kids,” is muttered under breath.

With a title such as Revolution Radio (the California-based band’s newest production released on October 7th 2016), it would be expected that a revolution would be put into action. Upon first listen, there doesn’t seem to be the same spark as one would experience with previous Green Day albums. There is a search in Revolution Radio; a search to find that revolution.

The opening track, “Somewhere Now,” is quite the ear catcher. Green Day is absolutely known to conduct the acoustic guitar supremely (just reference over to Dookie’s 1994 “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”). But between the opening line of “I’m running late to somewhere now/I don’t want to be” and the dramatic rising action from calm acoustic to the measurable climax of foot-bouncing guitar, bass and drums, “Somewhere Now” carries a sense of storytelling; reflective upon society in classic Green Day punk style with following lyrics of “I put the ‘riot’ in patriot.” The short line does make one consider, where are we making our marks?

“Bang Bang” follows as the second track and first single released for the band’s 12th studio album. This track is fast and immediately draws in any listener to head-bang along. And in elegant Green Day manner, the lyrics are full of politics. With opening news caster over voices and the chorus line “Bang bang! Give me fame,” it is thought-provoking to the listener’s mind that the world has become filled with “celebrities martyrs” and those who desire the media attention of simply being “Daddy’s little psycho and Mommy’s little soldier.”

“Outlaws” shadows a nostalgic atmosphere as Billie Joe Armstrong reflects “When we were forever young/When we were outlaws....Breaking in cars/Running in the light of the moon...I plead my innocence/But that’s my best defense/When you are young.” With such lyrics and the whine of his guitar, Armstrong has created a nostalgia to be shared with any old-school Green Day listener as one could sit back and smile upon their own days of breaking in cars and running in the light of the moon while Kerplunk (1992) or Insomniac (1995) played on the stereo.

Yet, “Still Breathing” would have to be crowned the most notable track of Revolution Radio. Musically, its melody flows beautifully in a perfect - no pun intended - even breathing tone. Everyone in the dynamic trio can be heard in this track; with Mike Dirnt’s overwhelming in time bass, Tre Cool’s compelling and steady backbone beat to keep the song’s own breathing in rhythm and time, and finally, Armstrong’s lyrics are without a doubt, the most convincing and moving in this articulate number.

Ultimately, Green Day is still, well, Green Day. From their unbelievable successes of American Idiot (2004) and 21st Century Breakdown (2009), it is clear that this West bay-based band is here “Forever Now”*1. Despite Revolution Radio being a predictable Green Day adventure, it is a reassurance that these three men are still speaking for all teenage angst, new and old, in the chaos of these “Troubled Times”*2 in this “Ordinary World”*3.

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The land of Michigan has given the world a deluge of multiple necessities and sheer pleasures outside of what at one time was the auto industry mecca. Like its heart and soul of the blue collared working person that breeds an indelible, almost pioneer spirit, the music from here reflects its surroundings as once again this 26th state, added to the Union in January of 1837, is having a rebirth. The possibility of this land known warmly for its industrial explosion in the region of the Great Lakes is now standing at possibly a new dawn... the creation of being a strong contender for the music scene, much like Nashville is today.

With this in mind, the resonating rock and blues plus more yet to be revealed have begun with the band, Greta Van Fleet. They are poised and ready to bring the elements of rock n' roll up to the next level.

Recently bassist Sam Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet took some time out while they are on tour to give their …

Stryper
Brings Metal Stings with Their 30th Anniversary Album Celebration Tour: To
Hell With the Devil with
Song River

It
was a 'sweet' celebration Stryper brought with them everything a
30th-anniversary celebration should bring and then some! The strength
and heart as the yellow and black brought the hard rock attack back
to Arizona, as the Nile Theatre was packed with die hard fans that
came from some sort of faith background so it seemed and included a
wide age group range.

Stryper
really was the premiere heavy metal Christian rock band that came
onto the scene back in the 80's and pioneered the way and without a
doubt still brings the best of it all today. Still working with the
original lineup of vocalist Michael Sweet, drummer Robert Sweet,
bassist Timothy Gaines and guitarist Oz Fox hitting the
30th-anniversary release, 1986's album, To Hell With the Devil.
The album spoke to so many when it was released and today those fans
who fell in love with To Hell With the De…

Adam Ant at the Celebrity Theatre by H. Reavis How does one categorize a man who is one part rock star, several parts romantic highwayman, a dash of the peculiar gentleman, and a whole lot of British? One doesn’t. He must be christened and his name yelled in revered abandon: it’s Adam Ant. With a career spanning more than thirty years, the charismatic Adam has enjoyed chart success, awards (particularly the Q Music Icon Award in 2008), movie roles including Drop Dead Rock with Debbie Harry, and sold out concert performances worldwide. His music videos revolutionized the visual aid for musicians with storytelling in lieu of the standard promo. Drawing from his experience in art school his videos chronicled the adventures of his romantic pirate alter ego in “Stand and Deliver” and “Prince Charming.”

Currently in the throes of another tour called Anthems, which is a follow-up to his successful Kings of the Wild Frontier Tour, Adam, and the band are bringing his extensive singles catalog to b…

Whether it is the challenge of growing up too fast, playing in a band that he loves, flying solo, working on music projects, the loss of a loved one, or just kicking back at home musician/singer-songwriter Michael Sweet greets each day as if it were to be his first and his last. With an eagerness to say yes and come what may. His faith in God has carried him to say, "I am not a man of many regrets." Song River: Being
on tour for a band must be an almighty passion. What is it though
that most bands do when they have a 'day off' while they are out
touring? Michael Sweet: To
be honest, aside from interviews and social media, it is a day we
finally get to do our laundry! [laughed] I am so OCD about doing
laundry. You got to be the first one up if you want to get it done. Song River: Laundry
day has to be a good day! When you are on the road and away from home
what are some of the things you miss? Michael Sweet: Of
course I don't like being away from my fam…